Questions Answered-Tab Edition

I get asked a lot about how Tab got into officiating football, how we handle the weekends away, and such so I decided to do a little Q and A. I realized most of the questions you guys have I've already shared in THIS POST. Be sure to check it out!

I was going to have Tab answer himself so you'd hear it all from his point-of-view. BUT he was cooking us a big breakfast on Saturday morning and I couldn't interrupt that. ha! I asked him questions and jotted down what he said.

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My "Tab Question" is: Is it hard to tune out the "ref comments"? My husband judges cattle shows, and sometimes you hear comments about "well, he doesn't know what he's doing" (from people who didn't win) and my husband always responds "Well, then they can go out in the ring and judge the show....but today, I got paid to do that." Lol. Just wondering if refs feel the same?

Tab said that it really isn't. They're there to perform a job. They do their job and can't worry about what others are screaming or yelling at the moment. You have to be prepared, do your best, and be a professional. You can't worry about what's going on in the crowd. He also mentioned that it's way easier to tune out those comments when you're in the middle of a loud football field compared to a gymnasium. It just comes with the territory. And to always remind yourself it's not the critic who counts. It's easy to criticize, it's hard to do the job. There isn't a crazy long line forming to do this job and that probably tells you something.

I would love to know Tab's thoughts on flag football versus tackle football, and when he thinks kids should start playing tackle.

Everyone has a different opinion on this so keep in mind that's all this is-Tab's opinion. He feels like there's no harm in waiting on tackle football. The negatives far outweigh the positives on starting early. Again, tons of people do it but he feels like flag football is great in elementary school.

How do your kids do at the football games? How often do you go watch? I can't imagine taking my kids to a football game.

Football games are much easier with my kiddos now than when they were little. The older three are pros at football games. They love the atmosphere, the crowds, the snacks, the game. They do great. Britt's only been to one and is a big fan of popcorn. ;) I try to go to at least two games every year but this past fall was different since Britt was so little. We can usually drive to several of Tab's games which is so nice. However, now Nixon is playing flag football in the fall and usually has a Saturday game. That's also made it harder to attend games.

(I answered this one. Tab has no clue what's happening with the kiddos during a game.)

Don't forget to check out this post to see some other football questions answered.

This is neat! Sounds like he has fun as a ref. Curious, is this his main job or does he have a full-time job as well and just does this as a side gig? If so, what type of career does he have? I’m fairly new checking out your blog so sorry if it’s been asked before. :0)

DJ and I definitely agree with kids waiting to play tackle football. We had always said if we had a son, we would wait until he’s at least 12 to introduce tackle football. When you see players get hit helmet to helmet and carried off the field on a gurney, your perspective about kids sports changes a ton. I mean, college football is DJs job, but, in those situations it’s a hard sport to support.

I think Craig's dream was to have his kids come cheer him on in the stands when he was playing and get that "after the game" field shot with the fam. Matthew wasn't even 1 when he played his last game and so it never happened. :( I miss going to games! That Inspired Chick